Leptospermum laevigatum
Australian Tea Tree
Description
This tree can be grown as solitary specimen to show exfoliating or smooth, gray-brown trunks that twist and curve with age. It is also a shrub and is useful as a windbreak, screen, or clipped hedge. This plant does best in full or part sun with well draining, sandy or loam soil. It does well in coastal areas. Deer usually leave it alone but birds and bees love this plant. It can easily reach 30' tall and wide, with a weeping habit and low canopy. During spring, the tree is covered with attractive white flowers followed by brown fruit in fall. Leaves are evergreen, oval, blue green or silver or gray green. Considered invasive in Hawaii. Seeds are spread via wind, vehicles, soil movement, water and dumped garden waste. Potentially invasive in California. Do not plant if you live adjacent to a channel.
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
6-12', 12-25'
Width Range
n/a
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
Brown, Grey
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Invasive
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Seascape
Accenting Features
Espalier, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring
Location Uses
Background, Patio
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Wind Break
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Check your irrigation system for breaks, leaks and problems once a month.